Aftercare
Looking after your new tattoo is just as important as the work itself. Follow these instructions carefully so it heals well.
Your Dermalize Film
After your tattoo we cover it with Dermalize, a protective adhesive film, and ask you to keep it on throughout the festival. It can stay on for up to 5 days.
To take it off, do it in a warm shower: find an edge and peel it back slowly over itself (not straight up), in the direction your hair grows. Going slowly and while the film is wet makes it far more comfortable.
Keep it out of direct sun, don't submerge it in water, and avoid anything rubbing directly against it.
Your Stories & Ink Kit
We give you the Stories & Ink aftercare foam cleanser and aftercare creamto use - reach for these rather than regular soap or shop-bought lotions. If you run out or don't have yours to hand, any fragrance-free tattoo aftercare cleanser and cream will do the same job.
Wash
Once the film is off, wash the tattoo gently twice a daywith the Stories & Ink aftercare foam cleanser and lukewarm water. Use your fingertips, not a cloth or sponge.
Dry
Pat dry with a clean paper towel - don't rub. Avoid cloth towels (they can harbour bacteria).
Moisturise
Apply a thin layer of the Stories & Ink aftercare cream twice a day after washing, and a little more if it gets particularly itchy. Too much will clog your pores - less is more.
Keep It Clean
Keep the area clean while it heals, especially in shared or outdoor spaces. If your tattoo rubs against clothing or bedding, keep that fabric clean too.
Do's
- ✓Keep the area clean and moisturised
- ✓Sleep on the other side if possible (first 3-5 nights)
- ✓Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo
- ✓Stay hydrated and eat well - it helps healing
- ✓Contact us or your artist if you're worried about anything
Don'ts
- ✕Don't pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo - even if it itches or scabs
- ✕Don't soak the tattoo (baths, swimming pools, sea, or extended showers)
- ✕Don't expose it to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks
- ✕Don't use scented lotions, perfumes, or cheap moisturisers
- ✕Don't let anyone else touch your fresh tattoo
- ✕Don't wear overly tight or synthetic clothing over it
What's Normal?
Redness, swelling, and slight oozing: Normal for the first 24 hours.
Scabbing and peeling: Starts around day 3-5. Resist the urge to pick - let it fall off naturally.
Itching:Common as it heals. Apply the Stories & Ink aftercare cream, don't scratch.
Fading temporarily:Colours may look a bit dull while healing. They'll brighten again.
When to Contact Us
If anything looks infected or you have a reaction, seek medical advice promptly. For anything related to your tattoo specifically, contact us if you notice:
- Excessive redness, swelling, or warmth beyond 48 hours
- Pus, weeping, or other signs of infection
- A high temperature, or feeling generally unwell
- Allergic reaction (rash, severe itching, blistering)
- The tattoo feeling unusually painful or hot
- Any other concerns - better safe than sorry!
Concerns? Email tattoos@campvc.raesanatomy.com or ask your artist for their direct contact details.
That concludes your processing. You now carry a piece of the future out into the world. Morale is, against protocol, high.
Sector 10 programming is retired. The Facility returns next year under a new designation, the details classified even to us.
Until then, we will be watching (the horizon, mostly).